CKSC seeking title repeat in PSSBC

MANILA, Philippines – Chiang Kai Shek College seeks to become the first back-to-back champion in the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) – dubbed as the MEC Network Cup Battle of Champions – which gets going Dec. 10 at the CKSC gym.

Three previous teams had failed to repeat as champs in the tournament for elite high school teams in the country but the Blue Dragons are upbeat of their chances with an almost intact roster.

Terry Que of Poly Gloss Automotive Polyurethane System is convinced the Blue Dragons have what it takes to retain the title it won over De La Salle-Zobel last year.

“Their main guys are still there so I believe they have a very good chance of winning the championship again,” said Que. “They have the experience and firepower.”

Aside from Que’s Poly Gloss Automotive Polyurethane System, other supporters of the event are MEC Network (Leoncio Chua,  Freego (Eduard Tio), Blackwater (Dioceldo Sy), Dickies Underwear (Rudy Yu), Ironcon Builders (Jimi Lim), Hapee Toothpaste (Cecilio Pedro) and Ché Lu Bar & Grill (Jimmy dela Cruz).

Que was referring to the deadly quartet of Jonas Tibayan, John Galinato, Miguel Oczon and Sam Banez, who anchored CKSC’s romp last year.

Also backing the event won previously by Hope Christian High School, San Sebastian College and San Beda College are Choi Garden, Hanabishi, World Balance, Davies Paints and Philippine Airlines.

For their impressive showing the last time, Tibayan earned a slot in the Batang Gilas squad while Galinato was named in the Batang Gilas 3x3 team.

After emerging Finals MVP last year, Oczon is reportedly being courted by several top UAAP schools.

Banez also emerged as a top collegiate prospect after being named one of the PSSBC outstanding players last year.